Belgium deploys troops to guard Jewish sites as antisemitism surges

Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken and Interior Minister Bernard Quintin announced on Monday that military personnel have been deployed to protect the Jewish community amid rising antisemitism.

“The safety of every citizen must be guaranteed,” Francken stated, stressing that “antisemitism and hatred against Jews will never be tolerated.”

The Belgian government’s decision to increase security for the Jewish community comes a week after the terrorist group Ashab al-Yamin or IMCR (Islamic Movement of the Companions of the Right) claimed responsibility for an attack on a synagogue in Liège. Similar antisemitic incidents have been reported in the neighboring Netherlands, and the group is believed to be linked to a broader radical Islamist network.

“In a context of growing antisemitism, the attack that took place at the Liège synagogue reminded us that the threat facing Belgium’s Jewish community is very real,” the interior minister stated.

“Ensuring the safety of our citizens is the responsibility of the state in all its components and beyond any political considerations. Deploying soldiers to strengthen security around Jewish sites will provide direct support to the police forces,” Quintin added.

Belgium is home to around 30,000 Jews and a large Muslim population that reportedly numbers between 600,000 to 800,0000 people. Both population groups are mainly concentrated in the capital city of Brussels and other major cities, such as Antwerp. 

Several politicians, including Antwerp Mayor Els Van Doesburg, have called for increased protection of Jewish sites amid rising security concerns following Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack on southern Israeli communities.

European Jewish groups have welcomed the Belgian government’s decision to increase security for Jews. 

“Thank you to the soldiers for their protection,” the Jewish group CCOJB stated.

The European Jewish Congress (EJC) echoed similar sentiments, stressing that “the safety of synagogues, schools, and community spaces is essential.”

“This step sends an important signal that the protection of Jewish life is a priority and that concrete action is being taken in the face of rising antisemitism,” the EJC stated. The organization added that the increased security levels reflect “the very real security concerns faced by Jewish communities in Belgium and across Europe.”

Member of the Chamber of Representatives of Belgium, Michael Freilich, praised the government’s decision, arguing that it is “good that action is finally being taken after a series of attacks on Jewish institutions.”

Belgium has struggled with radical Islam for years. Muslim terrorists from Belgium were behind the large-scale Paris 2015 terrorist attack, which claimed the lives of some 130 civilians and injured over 400 people across the French capital. 

In June 2025, radical Islamists dressed as Hamas terrorists reenacted and glorified the Hamas Oct. 7 massacre at a “Resistance Festival” held in the Belgian capital Brussels. 

The Israeli ambassador to Belgium, Idit Rosenzweig-Abu, condemned the antisemitic display in Brussels at the time. 

“Here in Brussels. Reenactment of the 7/10 massacre. Blood and bodies on the floor and all,” the ambassador wrote on 𝕏. Rosenzweig-Abu stressed that she “just couldn’t believe it’s real, but it is.”

The event caused considerable controversy. Belgian lawmaker Sam van Rooby criticized Brussels mayor Jean Spinette’s decision to greenlight the antisemitic event, arguing that her condemnation was “too little, too late.”

Belgium’s Minister of Justice Paul Van Tigchelt admitted in February 2024 that the terrorist organization Hamas operates in Belgium. 

“So far, we know that Hamas is active in Belgium through various companies. The activities (...) focus on lobbying and fundraising,” Van Tigchelt stated.